Contrabass flute: Difference between revisions

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The '''contrabass flute''' is one of the rarer members of the [[flute]] family. It isTypically seen often in flute [[musicalFlute ensemble|flute ensembles]], however it is recentlysometimes beingalso used in solo and chamber music situations. Its range is similar to that of the regular concert flute, except that it is pitched two [[octave]]s lower; the lowest performable note is two octaves below [[middle C]] (the lowest C on the [[cello]]). Many contrabass flutes in C are also equipped with a low B, (in the same manner as many modern standard -sized flutes are).) Contrabass flutes are only available from select flute makers.

Sometimes referred to as the "gentle giant" of the flute family, theThe contrabass retains the facility for [[trill (music)|trill]]s, as found elsewhere in the flute world. EaseThe contrabass' ease of [[Arpeggio|arpeggiation]] is moderate and thus equivalent to the rest of the flute family. The contrabass flute requires a much greater air volume to produce sound than most other [[Wind instrument|wind instruments]], and a broader, slower air stream is needed to produce a solid tone. The upper registers (middle C and above) lack the strengthtonal of tonestrength found in its cousins; the strongest register is arguably that between G₂ and G₃. Though the upper register can lack strength, its sensitivity and lyricism can be used to great effect; and a good instrument can readily reach the high A or B (above middle C). The 'haunting' low register (below G₂) has similar qualities to the [[bassoon, and the low B]].<sub>1</subref>{{Cite (threeweb octaves|title=The belowFlutes middle– C)Flute canStreet carry|url=https://flutestreet.ca/the-flutes/ well|access-date=2023-04-30 with an experienced performer.|language=en-CA}}</ref>

New solo and chamber music is being composed almost every day{{citation needed|date=August 2019}} for this instrument, and. performerPerformer Peter Sheridan has commissioned numerous works from composers around the worldworldwide, including: Alex Shapiro, Patrick Neher, Vinny Golia, [[Bruce Lawrence]], [[Adrienne Albert]], and Sheridon Stokes.{{citation needed|date=August 2019}} As a [[virtuoso]] solo instrument, even a fewsome concertos have been composed for the contrabass flute. Catherine McMichael composed a concerto for low flutes and orchestra in 2006 entitled 'Three Philosophies', in which one of the movements features the contrabass flute. In April 2008, the well -structured{{citation needed|date=August 2019}} concerto "Bantammer's Swing" for contrabass flute and chamber orchestra by Ned McGowan was premiered in Carnegie Hall. In 2010, the 'Lyric Concerto' for contrabass flute and strings was commissioned by Sheridan from the late Australian composer [[Bruce Lawrence]]. 'Nola' by composer Benjamin Yusapov, was commissioned by the Internationalinternational soloist Matthias Ziegler, for multiple Lowlow Flutesflutes and orchestra. Numerous composers have written for the contrabass flute, including Wil Offermans, Robert Dick, Thomas Seelig, [[Andrew Downes (composer)|Andrew Downes]], Catherine McMichael, and[[Phill Niblock]], [[Günter Steinke]], toJuan nameCerono, onlyNicolás aMedero fewLarrosa, Fernando Curiel, Mariano Rocca, Angeles Rojas, Jorge Chikiar, Esteban Sebastiani, Valentin Pelisch, and Ezequiel Menalled.{{citation needed|date=August 2019}}.

Furthermore, the contrabass flute is being utilized more in the [[flute choir]], with most newer pieces including a part for the instrument.{{citation needed|date=August 2019}}. Though for many pieces, the part is either a duplicate or simplification of the bass flute part for many pieces, some of the newest repertoirerepertoires includesinclude an independent contrabass flute part. Composers of such pieces include Peter Senchuk, Toby Caplan-Stonefield, Lawrence Ink, Phyllis Avidan Louke, and Judy Nishimura, among others.

One variation is a "contrabass flute in G," or a [[contra-alto flute]] technically, as it is pitched a fourth below the [[bass flute]] and an octave lower than the [[alto flute]]; thus, this is technically a [[contra-alto flute]]. Another instrument is the [[subcontrabass flute|sub-contrabass flute]] in G, pitched one octave below the contra-alto flute, or two octaves below the alto flute in G. Kotato & Fukushima also produce a "subcontrabasssub-contrabass flute in C", or [[double contrabass flute]], pitched a full octave below the contrabass flute.

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